Biodiesel Algal Bioreactors As Educational Projects: Engineering Factors And A Case Study Of Estimation

Two experimental closed-system bioreactors that produce algae for biodiesel are described, along with a discussion of the basic requirements for algae growth. The reactors were built by students and faculty, and are producing algae in support of research grants. For one of the reactors, detailed cost and scheduling data was collected, allowing careful comparison with initial estimates. The case provides a useful example that illustrates the inaccuracies of textbook estimating techniques, in some circumstances.